Desert spa resort to promote family and health tourism
With hopes of attracting foreign investment, the development plans for Al Areen Desert Spa and Resort project have been unveiled in Bahrain.
The $750 million project, scheduled to open for business in 2008, is aimed at promoting family and health tourism in Bahrain. The venture will feature a spa resort, themed hotels, residential communities, commercial and entertainment facilities, and water park.
"The project has been conceived as a destination for relaxation and rejuvenation, coupled with tourism and leisure activities, with modern residential units," said Sheikh Ahmed ibn Ali Al-Khalifa, chairman of Al Areen Desert Spa and Resort Holding Company.
Lebanese-based Erga Group is handling the master planning and urban design of the venture. The group is in partnership with international companies Borja + A4 from Chili, Ia Hogan from the UK and Francois Gauthier from France.
The partners will provide solutions concerning the master planning and feasibility of the project, as well as schematic and detailed designs, tendering and site supervision.
Conceived in January 2004, the project is also backed by the Gulf Finance House (GFH).
"In the coming several months we will make other milestone announcements about the project which will further galvanise its development, which is on track to be fully completed by 2008," said Esam Janahi,
vice-chairman of Al Areem Desert Spa and Resort Holding Company. Al Areen will be within the Al Areen Wildlife Sanctuary, which is adjacent to the Bahrain International Circuit and within a 25-minute drive from the city centre of Manama.
© Gulf Marketing Review 2005
